Five arrested with counterfeit goods worth R13 million

Police have seized counterfeit goods to the value of R13 million and arrested five undocumented suspects during an integrated takedown operation in Johannesburg recently.

“A team comprising of SAPS members from various units, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), brand protectors and security companies operationalised information and proceeded to three identified addresses in the JHB CBD.

This operation resulted in the seizure of over 18 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, bags, caps and watches,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk explained.

During the raid, the police also dismantled a hidden manufacturing plant and storage facility where counterfeit goods were distributed to shops in and around the Inner-City.

At this location, police seized large quantities of counterfeit items including a computer hard drive, silk screening and laser cutting machines.

The suspects have appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court and their cases are ongoing.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to make inroads by dislodging and dismantling the illicit trade in counterfeit goods which has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country due to lost revenue,” Colonel Van Wyk said.